Introduction

Amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which a protein, called amyloid, builds up in the organs and tissues. The buildup may happen in a single organ (localized) or throughout the body (systemically). Amyloid deposits can affect any organ or tissue.

There are three major types of systemic amyloidosis:

• Primary amyloidosis (AL), the most common form, occurs when bone marrow produces too much of certain fragments of antibody proteins, which build up in the bloodstream and may be deposited in body tissues.
• Familial (hereditary) amyloidosis is a genetic form passed down in families that often affects nerves and kidneys.
• Secondary amyloidosis (AA) develops along with a chronic infectious or inflammatory disease, such as tuberculosis or rheumatoid arthritis.

Localized amyloidosis is associated with aging, as the body seems to naturally make amyloid as it ages. Two common conditions associated with localized amyloidosis are type 2 diabetes (where protein builds up in the pancreas) and Alzheimer's disease (where protein builds up in the brain). Beta2-microglobulin amyloidosis occurs in people with kidney failure who have been on dialysis for a long time (beta2 -microglobulin is a protein that can build up in the blood as a result of kidney failure).

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